CVE-2008-1585 in QuickTime
Summary
by MITRE
Apple QuickTime before 7.5 uses the url.dll!FileProtocolHandler handler for unrecognized URIs in qt:next attributes within SMIL text in video files, which sends these URIs to explorer.exe and thereby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs, as originally demonstrated by crafted file: URLs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1585 represents a critical security flaw in Apple QuickTime media player versions prior to 7.5. This issue stems from the improper handling of unrecognized Uniform Resource Identifiers within SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) text embedded in video files. The flaw specifically manifests when QuickTime encounters qt:next attributes containing SMIL text that references unrecognized URI schemes, triggering the exploitation of the url.dll!FileProtocolHandler component. This component acts as an intermediary that processes URI requests and forwards them to the Windows explorer.exe process, creating an unintended execution pathway that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of SMIL text within video files, where attackers craft malicious qt:next attributes containing crafted file: URLs that reference external resources. When QuickTime processes these video files, it invokes the url.dll!FileProtocolHandler which subsequently passes the URI to explorer.exe, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution on the target system. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of component interaction and protocol handling, where the media player's failure to properly validate or sanitize URI references creates a direct path for remote code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation combined with improper privilege escalation, as the media player essentially delegates control to the Windows shell without adequate security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform arbitrary actions on vulnerable systems. The attack vector requires only the delivery of a specially crafted video file, making it particularly dangerous for web-based attacks and email attachments. Once executed, the malicious code can perform a wide range of operations including file system manipulation, registry modification, network communication, and privilege escalation. This vulnerability affects a broad user base since QuickTime was widely distributed and used across various operating systems, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors. The security implications are particularly severe because the exploitation does not require user interaction beyond opening the malicious media file, making it a prime candidate for automated attacks and social engineering campaigns.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Apple QuickTime 7.5 or later versions, which contain the necessary patches to address the improper URI handling. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to block suspicious media file types and monitor for unusual protocol handling patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-79 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing issues related to command injection and cross-site scripting where improper input validation leads to unauthorized code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through legacy protocols and privilege escalation through system component manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for explorer.exe processes being launched with unusual parameters or from unexpected sources, as these behaviors often indicate exploitation attempts.